RDC Bangladesh final performance report

The Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) Activity aimed to increase rural productivity, incomes and food security in the agriculture sector through systemic market changes that promote a diversified farming system based on intensified rice production and the introduction of higher-value, nutrient-rich crops. 

This final performance report looks at the lessons learnt and the core market systems, supporting functions and gender inclusion addressed by the programme. It also covers the effect COVID-19 had on the programme.

The report concludes that much of RDC's work is just beginning to gain traction - with both significant opportunities to scale existing activities and to pursue new activities that have potential to scale based on RDC’s activity. Building on this it recommends the following areas to focus on in the future:

• Access to finance
• Bio-inputs
• High yielding/premium variety seeds
• Access to mechanisation
• Gender
• Trade-commodity exchange

Intervention description

The programme carried out multiple interventions aimed at improving agricultural value chains for rice, maize, pulses and oilseeds. Specific interventions included the promotion of high-yielding seed varieties, improved agricultural practices and mechanisation.

It partnered with various private sector companies to distribute seeds and inputs, provide training to farmers, and support the development of value-added services. For example, it facilitated the sale of 3,104 metric tonnes of improved seed and planting materials for rice, maize, mung bean, sesame, groundnut, lentil and mustard.

Private sector partners adopted these models, and many expressed their intention to continue these practices beyond the programme's support.